Garbage Bread is a delicious, savory stuffed bread loaded with all kinds of tasty fillings—think ground beef, gooey cheese, and vegetables all wrapped in a soft dough. It’s perfect for parties, game days, or just as a satisfying dinner that everyone will love. The best part? You can customize it with whatever leftovers or favorite ingredients you have on hand.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Cook Notes
• Variations
• Serving Suggestions
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, ketchup, and barbecue sauce. Mix well and let cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to combine flavors. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Garbage Bread

Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12×15 inches). Spread the cooled beef mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the filling.

Starting from one of the long edges, roll the dough tightly into a log, tucking in the ends as you go to seal. Place the rolled dough seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Brush with Butter and Bake

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder. Brush the top of the rolled dough with the butter mixture.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Step 5: Serve

Slice the Garbage Bread into 1-inch pieces and serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Cook Notes

• Dough Choice: Refrigerated pizza dough works well for convenience, but you can also use homemade pizza dough if you prefer.
• Sealing the Bread: Be sure to roll the dough tightly and pinch the seams well to avoid any filling leaking out during baking.
• Cooling Before Slicing: Letting the bread cool slightly before slicing helps keep all the delicious fillings intact.

Variations

1. Cheesy Bacon Garbage Bread

Add 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon to the beef mixture and increase the cheese to 2 cups for a rich, cheesy flavor.

2. Veggie Garbage Bread

Replace the ground beef with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, and bell peppers for a vegetarian version.

3. Buffalo Chicken Garbage Bread

Swap the beef for shredded cooked chicken and mix with 1/4 cup buffalo sauce and 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing before rolling up.

Serving Suggestions

• Dipping Sauces: Serve with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or barbecue sauce for dipping.
• Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad to balance the richness of the bread.
• Game Day Platter: Add this to a game day spread with wings, chips, and dips for the perfect party food.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Garbage Bread Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can assemble the bread, wrap it in plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, proceed as directed.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover Garbage Bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until warmed through.

Can I Freeze Garbage Bread?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled bread before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.

Garbage Bread is a fun, customizable meal that’s perfect for using up leftovers and satisfying those savory cravings. With its crispy crust and gooey, flavorful filling, it’s a dish that everyone will enjoy. Try different fillings to suit your taste and enjoy this versatile, delicious treat!

Did you make this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below and let us know your favorite variations!